OSPF Introduction - MIKROTIK TUTORIAL [ENG SUB]

Summary

In this MikroTik tutorial, Yoga explains the dynamic routing protocol OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and walks viewers through configuring it on MikroTik routers. OSPF helps routers dynamically share routing information, automatically calculating the shortest path to destinations. Yoga covers key concepts like Neighbor Discovery, Link-State Database, and OSPF Areas. The video demonstrates step-by-step how to enable OSPF, configure interfaces, and add networks. It also highlights OSPF's ability to distribute routing updates automatically, making it ideal for managing large networks. Viewers are encouraged to join MTCRE training for further learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a dynamic routing protocol used to distribute routing information within an Autonomous System (AS), making it ideal for medium to large-scale networks.
• 😀 OSPF works by sending Hello Packets between routers to discover neighbors, followed by exchanging routing information to build a Link State Database.
• 😀 OSPF uses a cost metric to calculate the shortest path to a destination. This cost can be adjusted to influence routing decisions.
• 😀 OSPF allows for network hierarchies through Areas. The Backbone Area is the most critical, containing all routing information in the OSPF system.
• 😀 Routers with high hardware specifications are recommended for the Backbone Area to store all OSPF routing data efficiently.
• 😀 Routers with lower specifications can be placed in non-Backbone Areas like NSSA or Stub Areas.
• 😀 Basic OSPF configuration involves enabling the OSPF package, configuring interfaces, and adding networks for routing.
• 😀 OSPF supports different configurations for Hello Interval and Router Dead Interval, which must be consistent across all routers in the system.
• 😀 OSPF dynamically propagates new network information without needing manual configuration on all routers, simplifying network management.
• 😀 OSPF updates routing tables automatically. For example, when a new IP network is added, it is propagated across the OSPF system with minimal manual intervention.
• 😀 OSPF is highly versatile and can be applied across various network topologies, including those using tunnels like VPN, IP-IP, or EoIP, making it suitable for diverse network environments.

Q & A

What is OSPF and why is it important for network administrators?

OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a dynamic routing protocol that helps in distributing routing information across a network. It's especially useful for medium to large-scale networks, enabling efficient path selection and scalability. It automatically adjusts routing paths and helps network administrators manage complex network topologies effectively.

How does OSPF work to establish communication between routers?

OSPF works by sending 'Hello Packets' between routers to discover neighbors that are also running OSPF. Once neighbors are discovered, the routers exchange routing information and synchronize their Link State Databases, which helps them compute the best paths to different network destinations.

What is the purpose of the Link State Database in OSPF?

The Link State Database (LSDB) in OSPF stores detailed information about the network topology. This database is used to compute the best path to a destination using OSPF's cost or metric system, which helps routers determine the most efficient route for data packets.

What is the significance of the Backbone Area in OSPF?

The Backbone Area in OSPF is a crucial network segment that connects all other OSPF areas. It holds all the routing information and ensures that routing data is properly distributed across the OSPF network. Routers in the Backbone Area generally need to have higher hardware specifications due to the volume of routing information they handle.

What are the different types of areas in OSPF and their functions?

In OSPF, there are several types of areas, such as the Backbone Area, Stub Area, and NSSA (Not So Stubby Area). The Backbone Area is the central part of the OSPF network, and routers in other areas connect to it. Stub Areas reduce the amount of routing information exchanged, while NSSAs allow for limited external routing information to be advertised.

How do OSPF routers determine the shortest path to a destination?

OSPF uses a metric called 'Cost' to determine the shortest path to a destination. The cost is calculated based on the bandwidth of the network link, and the path with the lowest total cost is selected as the best route. This allows OSPF to efficiently route data within a network.

How does OSPF handle new networks or subnets in a dynamic routing environment?

When a new subnet is added to an OSPF-enabled router, the router automatically advertises this new network to other routers in the OSPF domain. This allows other routers to update their routing tables and know the new network path without manual configuration.

What are the steps involved in configuring OSPF on a MikroTik router?

To configure OSPF on a MikroTik router, you need to first install the Routing package, enable OSPF, and add interfaces under the OSPF configuration. Afterward, you define networks and assign them to OSPF areas. Once this configuration is done, the router will automatically send Hello Packets and start exchanging routing information with neighbors.

What is the difference between static routing and dynamic routing like OSPF?

Static routing requires manual configuration of routes on each router, which can be cumbersome in large networks. In contrast, dynamic routing protocols like OSPF automatically update routing tables and distribute routing information across the network, making it more efficient and scalable, especially in networks with frequent topology changes.

How can you monitor OSPF neighbors and routing updates in MikroTik?

In MikroTik, you can monitor OSPF neighbors by checking the OSPF Neighbors menu, which shows routers that have established communication. You can also view routing updates in the IP Routes menu, where new routes with the 'DAO' (Dynamic Active OSPF) flag will appear when OSPF successfully learns new routes.